40+ Top Board Games Based on Movies and TV Shows
40+ Top Board Games Based on Movies and TV Shows
Have you ever watched a movie or binged a TV show and thought, "I wish I could jump right into that world?" Well, thanks to the world of board games, now you can!
From iconic movie scenes to thrilling TV show moments, our favorite screen stories inspire some of the best board games. Whether you want to scheme in Westeros, escape from dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, or dive into the depths of space with your trusty starship crew, there’s something for everyone.
That being said, not all of these games are good. Some of them are bad simply riding the hype wave of the show! However, others turn out to be pretty good with fun gameplay and thematic art style! And, if you are a fan of the show, they might be a great collection piece!
Disclosure
1. This article is not a review. It is a quick overview of these games.
2. The article includes games based on our own opinions. We have played some of the games, but not all of them.
3. The games are not sorted in any particular order. If you want to learn more about a particular game, click on the included links!
4. The article contains affiliate links - when you buy through links on our site, we may earn commission at no cost to you.
Saw a mistake? We are just human, and some errors can happen. If you saw a mistake in the article, let us know in the comments below or send us a message.
Classic Movie and TV-Themed Board Games
Sometimes, you just want to dive into a game that feels like an epic movie night. These classic board games bring beloved films and shows straight to your tabletop, offering a mix of nostalgia, strategy, and adventure.
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Jaws: Relive the tension of hunting (or being hunted by) a great white shark in this clever asymmetrical game where one player controls the infamous beast, and the others work together to stop it.
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The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth: Take on epic adventures in Tolkien’s world as you and your friends navigate this app-assisted cooperative game full of quests, monsters, and heroic moments.
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Game of Thrones: The Board Game: Embrace Westeros' political intrigue and betrayal as you maneuver armies, forge alliances, and backstab rivals in a battle for the Iron Throne.
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Jurassic Park: Danger!: Step into the shoes of the iconic characters as you try to survive (or cause chaos) on Isla Nublar while dinosaurs roam free in this adventure-filled game.
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Back to the Future: Dice Through Time: Travel across timelines with Doc and Marty as you try to fix history and avoid disastrous paradoxes, all while rolling dice to complete events from the movie series.
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The Godfather: Corleone's Empire: Immerse yourself in the world of organized crime with this area control game where players compete to gain influence, complete jobs, and take over New York City.
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Star Wars: Rebellion: Experience the ultimate Star Wars saga as the Galactic Empire or the Rebel Alliance in this grand strategy game that captures the epic conflict between light and dark.
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Ghostbusters: The Board Game: Bust ghosts, trap spirits, and save New York City in this cooperative game based on the classic movie, complete with slimy ectoplasm and iconic equipment.
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ET: The Extra-Terrestrial – Light Years From Home: Help ET phone home as you work together to evade government agents, collect communication pieces, and guide him safely to the spaceship.
Family-Friendly TV and Movie Board Games
When it’s time for family game night, why not bring some of your favorite movie and TV characters along for the ride? These family-friendly games are perfect for all ages, combining light strategy, fun themes, and beloved characters everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re outwitting Disney villains or racing to fix time itself, these games will bring everyone to the table.
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Disney Villainous: Dive into the dark side of Disney as you play classic villains like Maleficent, Ursula, and Jafar. Each character has unique goals and strategies, making it a fun challenge for players of all ages.
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Toy Story: Obstacles and Adventures: Join Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the Toy Story crew in this cooperative deck-building game where you work together to overcome challenges inspired by all four movies.
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Hocus Pocus: The Game: Work together to stop the Sanderson sisters from casting their spells before sunrise. This light cooperative game is perfect for families who love the classic Halloween movie.
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The Incredibles: Save the Day: Join the Parr family as you work together to save Metroville from supervillains. Each character brings unique powers, making it fun for kids and parents to strategize and save the day.
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Scooby-Doo: Betrayal at Mystery Mansion: Join Scooby and the gang in this lighthearted version of Betrayal at House on the Hill. Explore a spooky mansion, uncover clues, and solve mysteries in this kid-friendly spin on the classic game.
Games for the Sci-Fi Lovers
For those who crave the thrill of interstellar battles, alien encounters, and futuristic worlds, these sci-fi board games deliver adventure on a cosmic scale. Whether you’re commanding fleets in a galaxy far, far away, outwitting traitors in deep space, or strategizing on a desert planet, these games capture the essence of classic science fiction.
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Dune: Imperium: Combine strategic deck-building with resource management as you navigate the treacherous world of Arrakis, where political influence and military power are key to controlling the spice.
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Firefly: The Game: Explore the ‘Verse as the spaceship's captain, recruiting crew members and completing jobs in this sandbox-style game based on the beloved TV series. It’s all about keeping your ship flying—no matter the cost.
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Terraforming Mars: Not particularly based on a particular movie or show, but surely it takes a few inspirations from several shows. Set in a distant future where humanity is working to make the Red Planet habitable, this strategy game challenges players to develop technologies, build cities, and balance resources in a race to colonize Mars.
👉 Related: Terraforming Mars Review. -
Nemesis: Inspired by classic sci-fi horror, this semi-cooperative survival game places you aboard a spaceship infested with deadly aliens. Your goal? Complete your objectives while dealing with sabotaging crew members and terrifying creatures.
Horror-Themed Board Games Based on Movies and TV
For fans of all things eerie and spine-chilling, these horror-themed board games will have you double-checking your locks and keeping the lights on. Whether you’re trying to survive a deadly alien invasion or battling vampires in small-town America, these games capture the tension and thrills of classic horror films and TV shows.
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The Thing: Infection at Outpost 31: Set in the frozen wasteland of Antarctica, this game brings the paranoia of John Carpenter’s classic movie to life as you and your team work to root out an alien shapeshifter hiding among you.
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Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Step into the shoes of Buffy and her friends as you work together to protect Sunnydale from the forces of darkness, battling vampires, demons, and the infamous Big Bads from the show.
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Aliens: Another Glorious Day in the Corps: Gear up as Colonial Marines in this cooperative game set in the terrifying world of xenomorphs. Work together to complete missions, fight off alien swarms, and hopefully make it out alive.
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Horrified: Take on the roles of classic movie monster hunters as you face off against Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, the Mummy, and more in this cooperative game that pits you against the legendary creatures of Universal’s horror catalog.
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Evil Dead 2: The Board Game: Relive the cult-classic horror-comedy as you fight off Deadites, secure the cabin, and try to survive the night. With a mix of strategy and luck, it’s a perfect blend of horror and camp.
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The Shining: Enter the haunted halls of the Overlook Hotel in this game of survival and madness. Will you work together to escape, or will one of you succumb to the influence of the hotel and turn against the others?
For the Fans of Mystery and Thriller
For those who enjoy cracking codes, uncovering secrets, and diving into tense situations, these mystery and thriller board games bring all the suspense of your favorite shows and films to your tabletop. Whether you’re solving crimes, uncovering dark conspiracies, or exploring eerie worlds, these games are perfect for fans of intrigue and deduction.
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Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective: Step into the shoes of the world’s most famous detective as you scour the streets of Victorian London for clues, interview suspects, and solve intricate mysteries. With clever storytelling and challenging puzzles, it’s the ultimate game for sleuths.
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Stranger Things: The Upside Down Game: Enter the eerie world of Hawkins and navigate the supernatural events that threaten the town. Work together to solve puzzles, face off against Demogorgons, and keep the horrors of the Upside Down at bay in this cooperative mystery game.
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Blade Runner 2049: Nexus Protocol: Immerse yourself in a dystopian future as you try to identify the replicant among you. This deduction game of hidden identities and high-stakes decisions captures the gritty atmosphere and moral ambiguity of the Blade Runner universe.
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Mansions of Madness: Second Edition: Enter the world of H.P. Lovecraft in this app-driven mystery game where players explore haunted mansions, solve puzzles, and face off against nightmarish creatures. The game’s immersive storytelling and ever-evolving scenarios make it a must-play for mystery fans.
Unique and Lesser-Known Movie/TV-Themed Board Games
For those who crave something off the beaten path, these unique and lesser-known board games bring a fresh twist to well-loved movies and TV series. Whether navigating interplanetary politics, reliving nostalgic adventures, or braving haunted hotels, these games offer a deeper dive into fascinating stories and settings that deserve a spot on your shelf.
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The Expanse: Enter the gritty world of the hit sci-fi series as you engage in political strategy across the solar system. Play as one of the powerful factions—Earth, Mars, the Belt, or the OPA—as you vie for control, build alliances, and outmaneuver your rivals in a tense struggle for power.
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Big Trouble in Little China: The Game: Dive into the wild, action-packed world of John Carpenter’s cult classic as you team up to defeat the evil sorcerer Lo Pan. This cooperative adventure game blends martial arts, magic, and humor for a totally unique gaming experience.
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Labyrinth: The Board Game: Journey through the fantastical world of the 1986 Jim Henson movie as you work to rescue baby Toby from the Goblin King. With a nostalgic nod to the original, this game captures the whimsical essence of the film while offering fun, family-friendly gameplay.
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The Thing: Norwegian Outpost: A standalone prequel to the original “Infection at Outpost 31” game, this lesser-known title puts you in the shoes of the doomed Norwegian team from the movie’s opening sequence, adding fresh paranoia and tension to an already chilling experience.
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Escape from New York: Based on the 1981 John Carpenter movie, this game puts players in a race against time to escape a dystopian Manhattan while battling gangs, completing objectives, and trying to survive the chaos.
Crossover Hits – Movie and TV Show Games That Became Hits of Their Own
Sometimes, a board game adaptation transcends its source material and becomes a hit in its own right. These crossover games capture the essence of the movies and TV shows they’re based on and offer engaging mechanics and memorable gameplay experiences that keep fans and newcomers coming back for more.
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Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle: This cooperative deck-building game puts players in the shoes of Hogwarts students battling dark forces. As you progress through seven increasingly challenging levels, you’ll unlock new abilities, spells, and allies to help defend the wizarding world.
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The Walking Dead: No Sanctuary: Survive in a post-apocalyptic world filled with walkers and tough moral choices. In this cooperative game, players must work together to overcome challenges, manage resources, and keep the group from turning on each other in a world where trust is hard to come by.
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Breaking Bad: The Board Game: Dive into the dangerous world of Walter White as you build your criminal empire. Will you run a meth operation or try to take down the drug kingpins as law enforcement? This game offers tense decision-making and strategic planning for fans of the show.
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Star Trek: Ascendancy: Explore the vast reaches of space in this epic strategy game set in the Star Trek universe. Players lead iconic factions like the Federation, Klingons, or Romulans as they expand their empires, engage in diplomacy, and wage galactic wars. The game’s modular galaxy and asymmetrical gameplay provide endless replayability.
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Doctor Who: Time of the Daleks: Play as one of the many incarnations of the Doctor in this time-traveling adventure game. Work together to thwart the Daleks’ plans, travel through space and time, and recruit companions in this game filled with clever mechanics and nods to the iconic series.
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Rick and Morty: Total Rickall Card Game: Relive the madness of one of Rick and Morty’s most beloved episodes in this cooperative, fast-paced, card game. Players must identify and eliminate the alien parasites hiding among them in a game that’s as chaotic and hilarious as the show itself.
Conclusion
From thrilling sci-fi adventures to nostalgic family classics, movie and TV-themed board games offer something for every type of player. Whether you’re reliving the magic of your favorite film, diving into the tension of a horror flick, or strategizing in a dystopian world, these games capture the essence of beloved stories while providing hours of engaging gameplay.
The appeal of these games lies not just in the familiar characters and settings but in the way they allow us to step into these worlds and experience the action firsthand. They offer a chance to be a hero, a detective, or even a mastermind in the stories we love, all from the comfort of our game table.
Looking to spice up your next game night? Dive into these immersive experiences and bring your favorite movie or TV show to life with friends and family. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more recommendations, and check out our other blog posts for even more board game insights and reviews.
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